Revista Brasileira de Gestão Ambiental e Sustentabilidade (2018): 5(9): 3-25. ISSN 2359-1412 https://doi.org/10.21438/rbgas.050901
Democratic governance and the frightening impact of corruption in contemporary Nigerian society
Christian Chima Chukwu¹, Joseph Nkom Ngban²
¹Department of Sociology/Intelligence & Security Studies. Novena University. Ogume. Delta State. Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected]. 2Department of Education Administration & Planning. University of Calabar. Nigeria. E-mail: [email protected].
Abstract. This paper focuses on democratic governance and the frightening impact of corruption in contemporary Nigerian Received: society in the attempt to restore good governance and also Apr. 11, 2018 improve the socio-economic development of the citizenry after Accepted: about fifty eight years of independence. Related literatures to the Apr. 28, 2018 variables were reviewed including the adoption of the descriptive and content analytical method in the analysis of the secondary Released: data in order to achieve the objectives of the study. The social Apr. 30, 2018 learning theory was employed as theoretical framework to guide the study. Findings reveal that the phenomenon of corruption has Open access evidently graduated beyond impunity, both in volume, scale, breadth, depth and has become a national cancer in the country. Furthermore, findings also show that Nigerian politicians have entered into yet other webs of delusion, and deception to the extent that their pursuit of corrupt practices, they reason, is greeted with ovation. Aside this, the paper also highlights that since the mad rush for corrupt practices, especially amongst politicians seems impossible to abate, the alarming rate of vicious opulence which has engulfed the Nigerian nation clearly demonstrates naivety, desperation and un-Godly helplessness. ORCID Based on all these, the paper suggests that there is the urgent 0000-0002-4290-234X need to halt the hypocritical position in corrupt cases involving Christian Chima Chukwu high influential members of the government as well as the 0000-0002-8604-9483 immunity covertly granted their cronies. The paper recommends Joseph Nkom Ngban that amongst other measures, government should not only be transparent in enforcing all relevant laws against corruption, but prosecute all those found culpable. Finally, Judicial Service Commission as autonomous body should halt the incessant dismissal of corrupt cases by judges on technical grounds, as well as continuing to beam its searchlight on all corrupt judicial officers.
Keywords: Corruption; Transparency International; Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC); Judicial Service Commission.
Resumo. Governança democrática e o impacto assustador da corrupção na sociedade nigeriana contemporânea. Este artigo enfoca a governança democrática e o impacto assustador da
ISSN 2359-1412/RBGAS-2018-0024/5/9/1/3 Rev. Bras. Gest. Amb. Sustent. http://revista.ecogestaobrasil.net 4 Chukwu and Ngban
corrupção na sociedade nigeriana contemporânea na tentativa de restaurar a boa governança e também melhorar o desenvolvimento socioeconômico dos cidadãos após cerca de 58 anos de independência. A literatura foi revisada, incluindo a adoção do método descritivo e analítico de conteúdo na análise dos dados secundários, a fim de alcançar os objetivos do estudo. A teoria do aprendizado social foi empregada como referencial teórico para orientar o estudo. Os resultados revelam que o fenômeno da corrupção evidentemente formou-se além da impunidade, tanto em volume, escala, amplitude e profundidade, tornando-se um câncer nacional no país. Além disso, as descobertas também mostram que os políticos nigerianos entraram em outras teias de ilusão e engano, na medida em que sua busca de práticas corruptas, eles raciocinam, é recebida com ovação. Além disso, o artigo também destaca que desde a louca correria por práticas corruptas, especialmente entre os políticos, parece impossível de diminuir. A taxa alarmante de opulência viciosa que envolveu a nação nigeriana demonstra claramente ingenuidade, desespero e desamparo piedoso. Com base em tudo isso, o artigo sugere que há a necessidade urgente de deter a posição hipócrita em casos de corrupção envolvendo membros altamente influentes do governo, bem como a imunidade concedida secretamente a seus companheiros. O artigo recomenda que, entre outras medidas, o governo não só seja transparente na aplicação de todas as leis relevantes contra a corrupção, mas processe todos os que forem considerados culpados. Finalmente, a Comissão de Serviços Judiciais, como órgão autônomo, deve suspender a rejeição incessante de casos corruptos por juízes por motivos técnicos, bem como continuar a direcionar seu holofote para todos os funcionários judiciais corruptos.
Palavras-chave: Corrupção; Transparência Internacional; Comissão de Crimes Econômicos e Financeiros (CCEF); Comissão de Serviço Judicial.
Introduction definition, but as an act, it is self evident and hence morally reprehensible. The present nature of the Understanding the implications of not Nigerian socio-economic uncertainties having a precise definition, the United brings to the fore the extent corruption Nations Convention Against Corruption has arrested growth in all sectors of the (UNCAC) avoided the temptation to society. It is such that the thick cloud of proffer one which easily could been corruption has covered every aspect of rejected, but instead identified and our national life to our dismay and described the specific conducts that are confusion. Admittedly, corruption is an generally classified as corrupt, criminal insidious crime which is neither unique misconduct. For Abdullahi (2006), such nor peculiar to any society or culture but corrupt and criminal misconduct include which has, invariably, a universal bribery, embezzlement, theft, fraud, colouration irrespective of the society extortion, abuse of discretion, being x-rayed. Corruption as a concept favouritism, nepotism, exploiting has no universal and comprehensive conflicting interest, improper political
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Democratic governance and impact of corruption in contemporary Nigerian society 5
party donations et cetera. Digging Despite the resounding wind of further, Amuwo (2005) and Obayelu the return of democracy in Nigeria (2007) view corruption as the (1999) which, was expected to usher in exploitation of public position, resources good governance, the philosophy of “at and power for private gain. Perceptively, any cost” or “at any price” has eroded the all efforts to secure wealth or power Nigerian value system and besmirched through illegal means for private gain at our reputation as a people (Chukwu, public expense; or a misuse of power for 2013). Notwithstanding the pains and private benefit or the betrayal of public frustration inflicted on Nigerians by trust for individual or sectional gain corrupt practices perpetrated by all past constitutes corruption. As a matter of governments since the enthronement of fact, the Nigerian political class has democratic rule in Nigeria (1999), new turned the supposed Nigeria’s ones which ordinarily ought to have been democracy into money making ventures halted are currently growing into as this is now the dynamics and mountain heaps and unfortunately, being motivating factor for politics within the hypocritically shielded from the public Nigerian polity. The scandalous practice domain by the present government. This of diverting public funds into private is not necessarily because corruption is coffers and also of inflating government part and parcel of the change mantra contracts in the hope of eventual which brought the All Progressive kickback brings to the fore that the Congress (APC) to power, but because challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy 99% of those in the present government are deep rooted in bad leadership and and other political appointees – are those corruption. In a similar strand, Achebe recycled from the past governments describes the overall state of affairs in infested with corruption. They have been Nigeria thus: socialized into the different techniques of corruption, and find it hard to break Indiscipline pervades our life so away from the past and are also teaching completely today that one may be others to take corruption as way of life. justified in calling it the condition This explains, according to per excellence of contemporary Abdullah et al. (2016) in the Daily Trust, Nigerian society. We can see and is due to the fact that twenty one former hear and read about indiscipline in the home, in the school, in public governors who are now senators in the service, in the Legislative Assemblies present National Assembly and four (Achebe, 1983:24) others, at present, federal ministers are currently receiving monthly pensions Sustaining this position, and at the same time collecting their Chukwudum (1994) argues that, the salaries as senators and ministers of the Nigerian society is perhaps the only federal republic of Nigeria, and no one society in the world whose social pretends to see. The double pay for these problems are as complex and numerous former governors and their deputies as her population. Furthermore, Achebe which range from 300% to 100% of their (1983:2) amplifies this view when he annual basic salaries for some and others notes that: between N 2.5 million1 to N 5 million naira per month respectively were Whenever two Nigerians meet, their passed by the 36 State Houses of conversation will sooner or later Assemblies and assented by the then slide into a litany of our national governors prior to the expiration of their deficiencies. The trouble with tenures. In Rivers, the law provides Nigeria has become the subject of our small talk in much the same way as the weather is for the English. 1 N = Naira, Nigerian currency. 1 Nigerian Naira = 0.0028 US Dollar (April, 2018) (N. E.).
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100% of annual basic salaries for ex- cost N 500 million, and Abuja governor and deputy, one residential N 700 million, respectively) Others are house for former governor “anywhere of six brand new cars replaceable every his choice in Nigeria”; one residential three years; furniture allowance of 300% house anywhere in Rivers for the deputy, of annual salary to be paid every two three cars for the ex-governor every four years, and a close to N 2.5 million as years; two cars for the deputy every four pension (about N 30 million pension years. His furniture is 300% of annual annually). They will also enjoy security basic salary every four years en bloc. detail, free medicals including for their House maintenance is 10% of annual immediate families. Other benefits are basic salary. In Gombe, there is N300 10% house maintenance, 30% car million executive pension benefits for the maintenance, 10% entertainment, 20% ex-governor. In Kwara, the 2010 law utility, and several domestic staff. This is gives a former governor two cars and a a reality for all the 21 ex-governors and security car, replaceable every three their deputies in the senate aside the years, a “well-furnished 5-bedroom four who are ministers. Though there duplex,” furniture allowance of 300% of exists minor differences in these his salary; five personal staff, three State different packages for all former Security Service (DSS), free medical care governors, but the question is: How is it for the governor and the deputy, 30% of that the Economic and Fraud Crime salary for car maintenance, 20% for Commission (EFCC) has done nothing to utility, 10% for entertainment, 10% for halt this blatant fraud - collecting salaries house maintenance. For Akwa Ibom and allowances, and still have the State, the law provides for N 200 million audacity to claim pension equivalent to annual pay to ex governors, and deputy. the salaries of serving governors in the They enjoy a pension for life at a rate country? Among the many questions equivalent to the salary of the incumbent begging for answers, the first is: what governor/deputy governor respectively. was running through the minds of all the A new official car and a utility vehicle members of the different State Houses of every four years; one personal aide and Assemblies when such obnoxious and provision of adequate security; a cook, offensive bill was passed into law? Were chauffeurs and security guards for the they hypnotized? Where is the fight governor at a sum not exceeding against corruption? N 5 million per month and N 2.5 million Section 2 (a) of the Code of for the deputy governor. There is also a Conduct Bureau (CCB) law provides that free medical service for governor and a public officer shall not “receive or be spouse at an amount not exceeding paid the emoluments of any public office N 100 million for the governor per at the same time as he receives or is paid annum and N 50 million for the deputy emoluments of any other public office; or governor. Also, there is a five-bedroom (b) except where he is not employed on mansion in Abuja and Akwa Ibom and full time basis, engage or participate in allowance of 300% of annual basic salary the management or running of any for the deputy governor. He takes a private business, profession or trade; but furniture allowance of 300% of annual nothing in this sub-paragraph shall basic salary every four years in addition prevent a public officer from engaging in to severance gratuity. farming.” Section 4 of the law says “A Similarly, the Lagos Pension Law public officer shall not, after his approved the following benefits for the retirement from public service and while former governor, Bola Tinubu, who ruled receiving pension from public funds, between (1999 - 2007) and his accept more than one remunerative predecessor, for life: Two houses, one in position as Chairman, Director or Lagos and another in Abuja (estimated to employee of – (a) a company owned or
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controlled by the government; or (b) any to be corrupt and rotten more than the public authority. A retired public servant slim at the bottom of garbage dump, they shall not receive any other remuneration are still being showcased arrogantly to from public funds in addition to his attract some ovations. In the light of this, pension and the emolument of such one so much hope of ethical reorientation, of remunerative position.” Section 14 of the the value system are said to have been same law exempted lawmakers from the washed ashore in the sands of irrelevance above provisions thus: “In its application to the extent that greater part of to public officers – (a) members of Nigerians can no longer put their legislative houses shall be exempted footprints on the sands of history such from the Provisions of paragraph 4 of that, in departing, the living may this Code; and (b) the National Assembly entertain beautiful reminiscences of their may by law exempt any cadre of public sublime achievements (Chukwu, 2016). officers from the provisions of paragraph By implication, the hope of strengthening 4and 11 of this Code if it appears to it Nigeria’s ethical reorientation, and also of that their position in the Public Service is the value system are said to have been below the rank which it considers washed ashore in the sands of irrelevance appropriate for the application of the to the extent that greater part of provisions”. Nigerians can no longer put their As a matter of fact, the Nigerian footprints on the sands of history such political class has turned the supposed that, in departing, the living may Nigeria’s democracy into money making entertain beautiful reminiscences of their ventures as this is now the dynamics and sublime achievements. Corroborating, a motivating factor for politics within the renowned Kenyan legal scholar, Nigerian polity. The governmental Professor Patrick Loch Otieno Lumumba, structures are poor and so are holders of believes that President Muhammadu political offices are not often accountable. Buhari is not getting the much needed Vying candidates could do anything support in his fight against corruption, as humanly possible (including murder) just many high-profile public office holders to win election and perhaps become rich and officials in his government are overnight. Nigeria since independence corrupt and also bent on derailing the has made fortunes worth over $ 600 process of transparency and billion, although the Save Nigeria Group accountability. According to Kenyan legal claimed that the money made so far is $ 1 scholar, in an interview with Sahara trillion and that $ 600 billion has been Reporters (2017), the Nigerian stolen by the Nigeria leaders. But a president’s lack of support in anti- greater part of this money had been corruption campaign and this explains siphoned into the private accounts of why the much intended results are not those in power. As it stands, it is crystal being felt evenly. Extending his position, clear that the absence of the right he avers that President Buhari is leadership with the right characters, and surrounded by corrupt individuals who the right backbone has facilitated the have normalized corruption in Nigerian spread of corrupt practices in Nigeria. society and have prevented his fight From genuflecting to perpetual adoration against corruption from taking off. of fraudulent wealth, corruption has Substantiating, Professor Lumumba said eaten deep into all segments of the Nigerian society. Resulting from this many of these individuals who are in menace is the fact that the Nigerian the position of power don’t want to society has consistently been producing a leave because they are thieves and they are scared that if they leave large population of nouveau riches whose office, they will be prosecuted, and sources of wealth are never questioned my view is that they should be or scrutinized. Even if sources are known
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prosecuted. What lacks in Africa is few. Unfortunately, majority of Nigerians punishment, impunity is alive and have become too keen about the fanfare, well in Africa and we, the electorate, the pomp and panoply with which these are in the business of celebrating corrupt Nigerians are celebrated. thieves. National legislators, governors and political appointees are simply looting Concluding, Professor Lumumba the treasury and buying properties as if it remarks thus: is the end of the world. Materialism and I wish President Buhari breaches of confidence and betrayal of institutionalizes and ensures that his trust for corruption, have become the agenda is bought by others. No order of the day. matter how good your idea is, it must be sold to others and they must Methodology buy into it. That is how you institutionalize the idea. You cannot The study adopts the descriptive be a lone warrior in this matter and content analytical methods in the because the children of darkness analysis of the secondary data. The study hunt like a pack of wolves and they basically involves investigating, will devour you if you are alone. recording and analyzing past events with In Nigeria, unlike many other a view to discovering generalizations developed nations where corruption is that are significant in understanding abhorred and the long hand of the law democratic governance and the generously unleashed on those found challenges of corruption in Nigeria. guilty without obstructions, thieves are crowned chiefs, and criminals celebrities. Theoretical framework Every research must be based on This work, therefore, examines a theory or theories however this democratic governance and the research is based on the Social Learning frightening impact of corruption in which is used to analyze the contemporary Nigerian society since reoccurrence of corrupt practices in 1999. Nigerian society, particularly since Nigeria’s democratic governance. Statement of the problem Nigeria has been ranked as one of the most corrupt nations in the world by The Social Learning Theory Social learning theory was the various reports of Transparency propounded by Bandura (1971). The International since 2000 when the body theory emphasises that behaviour is beamed her searchlight on the country. learnt and also that, the individual’s The phenomenon of corruption in the psychological and social adjustment can Nigerian society is endemic. National be examined in relation to accumulated legislators, governors and political impact of a series of learning appointees are simply looting the experiences. Bandura (1971) argues that treasury and buying properties as if it is learning principles like observation the end of the world. Materialism and principle of learning can adequately breaches of confidence and betrayal of explain such social psychological trust for money, have become the order adjustment, and that the most of the day. Thus, as a norm, funds meant fundamental and significant principles of for the general good are daily siphoned, social learning are the reinforcement and are shared amongst a few. It is not principles, through which lot of just the phenomenon of corruption that behaviour is learned. Based on this is the issue, but the impunity with which supposition, Tocqueville (1998) writing collective funds are shared amongst a about corruption in democratic
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governance warned about “not so much characteristic behaviours are thus the immorality of the great as the fact moulded by their experiences and by the that immorality may lead to greatness”, models they imitate. Such models play a when private citizens impute a ruler’s very vital role in structuring and success “mainly to some of his vices… an remolding the individuals. A child’s odious connection is formed between the socialization and self concept formation ideas of turpitude and power, therefore depends to a large extent on unworthiness and success, utility and how he interacts with his environment dishonour”. Such development provide including the significant others. dangerous examples, which discourage the struggle for virtuous independence. Literature review In Nigeria, this is what makes it all dangerous; not one leader is exempt Democracy from independence. Over the years, Democracy means different corrupt actions of Nigerian leaders have things to different people: a platform for been influencing the public in subtle power contestation and not the least a ways that they often go unnoticed among class struggle. As a form of government, citizens (Charles, 2011). Prior to Charles it started from ancient Greece, (Athens). (2011), Awoniyi (2003) averred that it Democracy simply means “rule by the often assumed a gradual process and people” thus; it is a government of the hard to perceive over a period of time people, by the people and for the people. until it got to a cancerous height as it is in Essentially, democracy implies majority Nigeria today. But how did Nigerians get rule and respect for fundamental rights here? of the people. For Dahl (2000), Awa (1984) pointed to criminal democracy produces desirable socialization - a situation where the consequences, avoiding tyranny, leadership innovate alternative means provision of essential rights, general other than the societal approved means freedom, self determination, moral so as to achieve societal approved goals, autonomy, human development, and in so doing provides example for the protection of essential personal interests, rest of the citizenry to adopt. Aligning, political equality; in addition, he noted, Bandura supports parental role in modern democracies are peace-seeking modeling, and also maintain that and prosperous. In a nutshell, it is a reinforcement plays a considerable vital government of the majority and always role as far as modeling is concerned in seen as the best form of government the social and psychological because the people exercise their development of children (individuals). In governing power either directly or Nigeria, politicians, like other role through representatives periodically models in other countries, command a elected by them. By extension, cult-like followership across all age democracy provides institutions for the brackets not necessarily because they expression and the supremacy of the are charismatic but because of the huge people or popular will on basic issues amount of stolen wealth at their disposal. bordering on social and policy making. Nigerian politicians all seem to adopt Democracy is a form of government as those standards of self-reinforcement well as a way of life, goal, ideal and that correspond with the standard of the philosophy which guarantees freedom of models to which they have been exposed. the majority and rights of the minority. Thus corruption is encouraged as a The World Book (2001) maintains that positive reinforcement to maintain the democracy has certain tenets which cult-like followership and also to develop include: free elections, majority rule, and the tendency for the responses to be participation of political parties, repeated in future. Individuals’ unimpeachable judiciary and parliament.
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Democracy is an embodiment of the will political and economic equality, fraternal of the people. Bjornlund et al. (1992) put feelings are basic issues for a successful it succinctly thus: working of the democratic system. In other words, democratic government However, one defines democracy; it should not only be responsible or is irreducibly a system of acceptable to the ‘demos’-people or the government in which the authority masses-but indeed political power itself to exercise power derives from the and its expression should emanate from will of the people. the popular will. However, its practices For Agbaje (1999), democracy is have taken different dimension across an idea, process (series of events leading the globe. In developing nations for to change or course of action) of system example, it has been characterized with of government. Ademolokun (2000) sees get- rich- quick syndrome (corruption), it an idea targeted at enhancing a sound tribal and religious politics and money- and egalitarian society through an bag-politics. integrated effort of the masses towards a better society. The wellbeing of the The concept of corruption The term corruption is derived citizens largely depends on the extent to from Latin word “conumpere” which which the democratic institution is means to “spoil or any action or activity strengthened and sustained. Therefore, in the society that is contrary to what is democracy entrenches and expands, or right”. In Nigeria, every ethnic group has seeks to entrench and expand, rights, one jargon or another to describe it; the ability and capacity of the citizens in a Yoruba call it “egunji,” (lit. free food) given society. It is always seen as the best while the Igbo call it “akazu,” (lit. money form of government whereby people given through the back hand). In its elect their leaders in society. Democracy ordinary meaning, the Concise Oxford is about freedom, but it is not freedom to Dictionary of Current English defines be irresponsible. corruption as decomposition, moral Generally speaking, democracy as deterioration and use of corrupt a way of life involves freedom to make practices like bribery etc., to get an choices about what one does, where he undue advantage over another. The lives, and how he uses his earnings; the Encyclopedia Americana defines operation of institutions-the home, the corruption as “the unsanctioned use of church, local, state and federal public/political resources and/or goods government; the right of justified for non-public ends.” The Transparency property ownership; social justice and International (1996) defines corruption fairness; absence of social and class as “misuse of public power for private barriers, equality of opportunity; and the profit”. In another strand, the Anti- solution of common problems through Corruption Law (Nigeria, 2000) defines the exercise of the free will of the people corruption beyond the giving and (Mbachu, 1990). Although the receiving of bribes to include, use of constitution guarantees freedom to form one’s' office for pecuniary advantage, and hold an opinion, the Nigerian gratification, insincerity in advice with situation is such that the competitors for the aim of gaining advantage, less than a power have taken control of an issue that full day's work for a full day's pay, is definitely well beyond their sphere of tardiness and slovenliness. competence, and they are making Corroborating, Agbakor, (2010) finds an personal profits out of it at the expense easier explanation of corruption in the of the corporate existence, economic Black’s Law Dictionary as: revival and integration of the nation- state. In this vein, other factors such as
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An art done with the intent to give be ascribed to corruption have agreed some advantage inconsistent with that the term is best treated as the official duty and rights of others, the illegitimate use or appropriations of the act of an official or fiduciary person public votes or resources for private who unlawfully and wrongfully uses parties. Yelwa (2011:2) defines it thus: his station or character to procure some benefit for himself or for Corruption is a multi-dimensional another person contrary to duty and phenomenon and hence has been the right of others. defined in multiple ways. Generally, corruption in public sector is simply Corruption is defined as the abuse of authority by the public “impairment of integrity, virtue or moral officials to make personal gains in principle” (Dictionary definition). Oyewo the discharge of their official duties. (2000) sees corruption from within the It encompasses activities ranging context of legal system and from bribery, embezzlement, administration of justice, as well as from extortion, fraud, favoritism, the “internal legal normative expression dishonesty to related illegal or of the term”. According to him, there is unauthorized behaviors in no universally acceptable definition of pursuance of personal objectives. corruption. Despite the fact that the term Exploring further, Chukwu “corruption” suffers from multi- (1998) views corruption as a chronic and definitions in which none seems all recalcitrant rat-race like attitudes of embracing; Aidt (2003) has proceeded to people to grab instant money and define it as a universal, complex and material possession irrespective of the multifaceted phenomenon associated means, characteristically for self with all forms of human organization. In glorification without the slightest another strand, Tiihonen (2003) said compunction. The laying of greater corruption could be characterized as a emphasis on corruption which yields “disease” inherent to public power and quick-money without an equivalent an indication of bad governance. World emphasis on institutional means finds Bank (2014) sees it as among the relevance in the work of Merton (1958) greatest obstacles to economic and social that explains the phenomenon of development since it distorts the rule of corruption via corruption as a result of law and weakens the institutional the lack of integration between what foundations on which economic growth culture calls for and what the structure depends or at least as a serious obstacle permits, the former encouraging success to development. A definition provided by rather than preventing it such that it the nongovernmental organization leads to a strain in the society and can no Transparency International sees longer serves as effective guides to corruption the misuse of trusted power behaviour. for own profit (TI, 2011). There is, Corruption covers a broad however, public sector definition of spectrum of activities and is by far the corruption as the misuse of public office, greatest problem that has over the years roles or resources for private benefit, threatens good governance, stability and material or otherwise (OECD, 1996). In socio-economic development of any practical terms, corruption can take up country. It has eaten-deep into the several facets, such as bribery, fabrics of the Nigerian society that hardly embezzlement, fraud, extortion and does a day passes without corruption nepotism (Amundsen, 1999). Given the being discussed. Adetoro (2012) asserts elusiveness of the definition of that virtually all the Nigerian ministries corruption, some scholars, perhaps in and agencies are enmeshed in corrupt recognition of the vast meaning that can practices with the police ranked as the
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most corrupt among them. The police officers were compelled to pay up the have advanced further with specific chain of command a share of the money terminologies for each of the country’s they extorted from the public. This denomination. For them, "roja" and “sky” system undermined the rule of law and represent twenty Naira and fifty Naira created a large disincentive for superior (Nigeria currency) respectively. Thus, it officers to hold their subordinates is a common sight at every police accountable for extortion and other roadblock. Interestingly, motorists tend abuses. In the words of Archbishop Peter to understand the basic requirement of Akinola, the former Primate of Anglican every roadblock mounted by officers of Communion: the Nigeria Police; they stretch out their right hands confidently with squeezed There are indeed Nigerians who are naira notes concealed in folded palms struggling every moment of their life into the waiting palms of the Police to “gain,” to “acquire”, to “possess” to officers (collectors). own the whole world and in most cases, at the expense of not only of Concurring with the above their own life but also of others. assertions, Madike (May 3rd, National Mirror, 2013) further avers that the In essence, one could contend scandalous revelations that emerged that the motive behind this odd desire to from the defunct Senate Committee own the whole world is borne out of Investigation on Pensions was one case greed. Greed, that excessive, rapacious too many. Apart from revelations from desire and uncontrolled, burning passion the Senate committee, a report to have more of anything than one really submitted to the United States Congress needs or deserves is really disturbing. by the erstwhile Secretary of State, John From the foregoing, it is clear Kerry, also alleged massive corruption at that every Nigerian person determines all levels of the Nigerian government The what is right or wrong. This argument document entitled: “Country Reports on extends further that each individual Human Rights Practices for 2012” was person should love life to its fullest and prepared by the Department of State does whatever his heart tells him to do at using information from US embassies any moment of his life as long as his and consulates abroad, foreign appetite is satisfied. In so doing, no one government officials, non-governmental should bother about the rants of the so- and international organizations, and called moralists either today or later in published reports. Under the chapter on life because the same will raise the horn Nigeria, Section 4, which dealt with of sycophancy, to praise-sing and glorify “Corruption and Lack of Transparency in anyone when riches come. The Government,” the report stated: promoters of this teaching “Massive, widespread, and pervasive contemptuously maintain that the so- corruption affected all levels of called moralists in Nigeria are propelled government and the security forces.” more by their survival instinct than Human Rights Watch (HRW) (2012) showing commitment to their personal released Everyone’s in on the Game, a character and integrity. In conclusion, report on corruption and human rights they blame the self-styled moralists for abuses by the police. The document having to create a lot of socio-economic contained information from 145 problems for mankind with its ever- interviews, and documented pervasive static moral system, which too rigid in police extortion with impunity form creates avenues for poverty to committed by its officers throughout the thrive. country. “Police demanded bribes, From all ramifications, the threatened arrest and physical harm, and proponents of corrupt practices advocate enforced a system of ‘returns’ in which
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the utilitarian principle, which is the present state of our public guarantees their well being and also morality. makes the comfort of any given individual the sole determinant factor of However, it is atrocious to what is right. Ernest Hemingway’s observe that new sets of vocabulary have manifesto, “what is moral is what you been developed from the Western world feel good after, and what is immoral is to weaken the concept of corruption in what you feel bad after”, may well sum the Nigerian society. For example, when up the attitude of those caught up in individuals take money (it could be corrupt practices. anything else) that do not belong to them by means of altering figures, the term The poverty of thought of defraud is employed. When they spend Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi money or something that is different Awolowo from what the money is meant for, they Prior to the inception of are said to have misappropriated. If we democracy, Iwe (1987) argues that, could travel back in time and speak with materialism, and breaches of confidence Emile Durkheim or Max Weber, they and betrayal of trust for money, have might be puzzled by this psychosis about become the order of the day that nothing corruption in the Nigerian society. is so valuable, or so precious or so sacred Durkheim (1961), after all, once declared that it cannot be sacrificed to amass that: quick wealth in the society. While it is generally agreed that it If there is one fact that history has is difficult to present a coherent picture irrefutably demonstrated, it is that the morality of each people is of the Nigerian past, one can add that the directly related to the social present is even more confounding and structure of the people practicing it. the future very uncertain. Nevertheless, The connection is so intimate that, get - rich quick syndrome via corruption given the general character of the has reached a critical turning point, what morality observed in a given is not clear is in which direction the society… one can infer the nature of country is moving - toward legalizing the that society, the elements of its craze for instant riches, or toward the structure and the way it is organized reaping of the dividends of democracy. (1961 [1925]:87) Whichever side the dice falls, it remains an irrefutable fact that the Nigerian Weber (1932), from a different society is one that, unfortunately, has angle, also sees moral action as a vital taken leave of its conscience, decency force in social life and argues that the and morals. As a result, several empirical analysis of such action is an integral part research works have been carried out on of the existence. In his most famous corruption and democratic rule since the work, The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit inception of the civilian rule in 1999. The of Capitalism, Weber described it as a findings have resulted in the generation study of “the motives of moral action” of several debates and expositions. It is (Weber, 1932). For all their differences, in view of this that Adegbite (n.d.) Durkheim and Weber - along with many bluntly averred: other classical theorists - would have considered the separation of the moral The moral standards of the average from the social unthinkable. Nigerian are very low indeed. Our Sustaining the views of Durkheim society is corrupt to the core and and Weber, the genesis of this that is an open secret even to the scandalous crave for, and indulgence in outside world that knew us much corruption which have permeated the better than we know ourselves. This Nigerian society over the years, can be
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located in the poverty of thought relenting in enjoying a high standard of exhibited in the biographies of two of the living at the expense of the electorates founding political fathers of modern that voted for them as was at Nigeria, Dr, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief independence. There has been this Obafemi Awolowo. Ever since their consistency amongst disciples of these biographies came to the public domain, founding fathers in maintaining such Nigerian intellectuals, for fear of some high profile lifestyles and flaunting their ethnic bigots, seemed to have corrupt wealth in a way that makes acquiescence on the over concern for self political positions more attractive than importance including the preoccupation any other job in Nigeria. Yet these with self-aggrandizement and the Nigerian leaders care less about the preoccupation with the accumulation of implication of such lifestyles on the wealth, even the conspicuous proposal economies of their countries (Dumont, for profligate living contained in these 1998) Sustaining this position, Dumont biographies. This poverty of thought in (1998) also pointed out that the amount Azikiwe (1937) reads: that henceforth I of money controlled and the liberty to shall utilize my earned income to secure spend money makes political office my enjoyment of a high standard of living holders envy to their civil service and also to give a helping hand to the counterparts. For instance, the amount of needy. Ordinarily, one would have money spent during tours is enough to expected a Pan Africanist in the mould of carry out some major projects in their Azikiwe to have de-emphasized his different constituencies. In addition to desire for enjoyment of a high standard their salaries, Nigerian politicians, both of living at independence, and bequeath a by design or crook, receive jumbo sound philosophy which would have allowances and therefore are stinking placed Nigeria on the podium of great rich. This has increased the inequality countries, but that was never to be. In a gap in the society while politicians are similar vein, Chief Obafemi Awolowo swimming in affluence; the masses they inscribes: I was going to make myself govern are wallowing in poverty. formidable intellectually, morally Basically, the absence of a formidable invulnerable, to make all the money that is philosophy from two of the country’s possible for a man with my brain and most prominent founding fathers has brawn to make in Nigeria. Ever since birthed corrupt practices in every nook these respective lines came to the public and cranny of the Nigerian society. domain, Nigeria, from independence, has Upholding this position, Achebe known no sleep. One question that (1983) argues that the basic element of readily comes to mind is: why this this misfortune is the seminal absence of legacy? It is this kind of poverty of intellectual rigour in the political thought thought that in a way prompted a group of our founding fathers - a tendency to to merge Christian Religious Knowledge pious materialistic wooliness and self- with Civil Education and christen it: centered pedestrianism. Furthermore, Religious and National Values. Dumont quoted Frantz Fanon to buttress The frustrations and the fact that: disappointments that have tried many a soul for admitting that these unethical The national bourgeoisie, which philosophies really came from these takes power at the end of the renowned founding fathers clearly colonial regime, is an explain why between 1960 and today, a underdeveloped bourgeoise with practically no economic power… not gap of over five decades plus seven, oriented towards production, Nigeria has grown to become one of the invention, construction, work… it most corrupt countries in the world. As enters, soul in peace, on the terrible expected, Nigerian politicians are not
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anti-national path of a bourgeoisie digital air-conditioner, satellite flatly, stupidly, cynically bourgeois telephones, satellite dish, high-tec (Dumont, 1998:83). musical equipment, uninterrupted power supply, etc. Supporting this assertion, Dumont (1998) sees the Enahoro (n.d.) writes a well laid out formation of a bourgeois civil-service, satire on the wealth acquisition instinct characterized by jacket and tie as status of the Nigerian: symbol, as a culture inherited from the colonial times. So, also is the culture of We rejoice when our man is made a diverting public funds to buy imported minister, Commissioner, Board luxuries, like cars for government member, etc not because we hope to officials. The granting of excessive share his salary with him, but privileges and salaries to the elites of the because we expect him to play his newly independent African states has card well,… if after relinquishing his been passed on to the political officer office he fails to erect for himself a holders today. These privileges and row of mansions, own some fleet of cars and maintain a healthy balance jumbo salary packages have today in the bank both in Nigeria and become a negative culture which makes Overseas, we shall regard him as a public office holders to hold tenaciously failure. But there is no way he can to power without a desire to relinquish perform these feats by merely their seats on the expiration of their relying on his salary alone. He must tenure. look elsewhere In examining the implications of the excessive privileges and salaries to In Nigeria, a political office holder the elites of the newly independent, a who goes back home at the end of Nigerian columnist, Osi Momoh (n.d.), in his/her tenure with empty pocket is one of his papers indicts the Nigerian scorned by his people for missing the society with his characteristic humour: opportunity to take a sizeable part of the National Cake (embezzle public funds) - For the Nigerian, greed is the government money, fat bank account; propelling haft that rotates his cars on the road and in the parking lots, compulsive lust for money while and in addition, a housing estate are ambition continuously provides the proof of a successful politician lubricating oil for the shaft. To the (Oyavbaire, 2001). Wealth becomes a Nigerian, nothing is more gratifying criterion for chieftaincy award, honour, than the ambition to amass wealth. That is why he arms himself with a respect and recognition (Charles and fierce determination to succeed. Ikoh, 2011). As a result, cases of corrupt practices abound despite outcries from Osi-Momoh (n.d.) argues that many Nigerians, usually those referred to there is an undeclared but clearly as the “old school” against the continued maintained race to get-rich-quick decline in our unique ways of life to no regardless of the means. This implies avail. Succinctly put, scores of Nigerians simply that it is all dreams of great are today are inflexibly engaged in the expectations by the average Nigerian, business of corruption as a profession. dreams of a modern home with all sorts Dishonest practices that were of domestic conveniences and comfort. condemned in the past are often winked These include the newest factory at today. Thieves and swindlers are customized luxury car or two, possibly a frequently being glorified and Rolls Royce or Limousine (or both), fleet romanticized in the media. of domestic vehicles, private homes with In turn, many Nigerians fit the a distinct architectural design, description found in the bible: “where commercial estates all over the country, you saw a thief, you were even pleased
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with him” Psalm 50:18. For example, an the former military President, General investigation by a US legislative body Ibrahim Babangida, for mismanaging released in February 2010 showed that N 12.4 billion ($ 82 million) during his former vice president and now, a power administration. SERAP later accused broker in All Progressive Congress (APC), Adoke of a cover-up and forwarded to Atiku Abubakar, and his wife, Jennifer him the original copy of the Pius Okigbo Douglas Abubakar, removed more than Panel report after he said he was unable $ 40 million in suspect funds from the to locate it. country between 2000 and 2008. The sum reportedly included at least $ 1.7 Nuhu Ribadu, President million in bribe payments from a foreign Obasanjo and History corporation. Up till now, the EFCC took In the midst of all these, Nuhu no action on this published report. The Ribadu in one of his outburst against same year, the EFCC authorities arrested corruption (News Magazine, June, Adamu, on allegations of the fraudulent 23rdJune, 2003) lamented thus: award of contracts and stealing of public funds estimated at N 15 billion ($ 100 There are a lot of things going wrong million) during his eight years in office, in this country… there are powerful which ended in 2007. The court granted people who are frustrating the course of justice. There are very him bail and ten years after the alleged extremely powerful, wealthy and crime was committed, the case still being important lawyers who are aiding investigated. More still, on May 3, 2010, and abetting these crimes. People the EFCC also arraigned former PDP like these should reconsider what National Chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor, they are doing. Please, have pity on on 17 criminal counts of corruption and the country. Look at the bad image money laundering in the amount of N 2.3 the country has… they should not billion (US $ 15 million). Ogbulafor filed a just be concerned with what goes petition to dismiss the charges. The case into their pockets. People should is still in coma till date. Also, the Nigeria inject a little moral to what they are doing. People should be a bit fair to Extractive Industries Transparency the rest of us. What they are doing is Initiative (NE1TI) board had fired its extremely unfair to us and to their executive director over allegations children… we have no honour, no including double payment of salaries, dignity, and no respect all over the expense account payments for trips not world. This disturbs our entire taken, and payments of honoraria and polity. They are well learned, well other allowances not authorized for placed and well informed people government. The report came from an who have taken it as a vocation to be employee, who was later dismissed. No protecting criminals just because charges were filed. In November 2011, they are getting some small portion from the lot. There are a lot of them the EFCC detained 10 expatriate and around and they know that this man Nigerian employees of Halliburton and clearly stole this money, but they are its subsidiaries in connection with the ready, begging to take part of it in $ 180 million bribery scandal occurred order to protect and help him escape between 1995 and 2005. While the home justice. They should please in the country of those expatriates punished name of God, in the name of our their citizens, their Nigerian counterpart country, reconsider their steps. was allowed freedom to enjoy their loot. (News Magazine, 23rd June, 2003). And in August of same year, the then Attorney General of the Federation, From our perch in the 21st Mohammed Adoke, announced that century, however, it is clear that aside government could not authenticate the from the faulty foundation of the Pius Okigbo Panel report that indicted Nigerian society from independence, we
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have also gone ahead to remove the countless people mourn. Olusegun teaching of History and Social Studies as Obasanjo, then Nigeria’s Military Head of subjects in our educational curriculum in state amplifies the menace of this social our quest to grow rich without reflecting ill during his first outing as military Head on the dire consequences for tomorrow. of State, HOS) at the formal opening of The realization of the dire consequences the Command and Staff College, Jaji on of the removal of these subjects by a few, Monday, 12th of September 1977, thus: which of course, also prompted this work, might be troubling under any A nation where the indolent, the circumstances, but it is especially dishonest and the inefficient can get disconcerting given the explosion of to the top or become excessively interest in our past by all and sundry, but wealthy is a nation fit for destruction. It will, in fact sooner without any to study and know. As a than later bring destruction on itself. result, we have too little systematic guidance in our day to day life. Hence, The Nigerian society, according the Nigerian society today is rapidly and to him, is not sufficiently disciplined, fair, surprisingly developing into that of just or humane”. Twenty five years after Sodom and Gomorrah or the like. And this famous statement, Obasanjo, now painfully, one, therefore, watches the elected civilian president contradicted Nigerian society these days with intense his earlier stance against corruption. In disgust as it has all of a sudden become a what appeared like a trance, Obasanjo fertile breeding ground for almost all dropped all charges of financial crimes nefarious, despicable and unholy against Muhammed Abacha, the scion of practices one can ever imagine, aimed at the Abacha dynasty, especially in the guaranteeing quick wealth with little or case of the stolen sum of $ 1.2 billion said no toil. The uneven moral terrain that to have been misappropriated from the arises there from, besides the conscious nation’s treasury. The government lavishing of money on sycophants has instead of continued prosecution gave had a sedative or hypnotic effect on most, the Abacha’s family $100 million in if not all concerned citizens. appreciation for their return of the stated Consequently, the situation grows worse stolen sum (Plea bargain). daily as source of the wealth of dubious Understanding the grievous implications individuals is neither questioned nor of his action, President Obasanjo again in traced. Today, sensitive appointments the August 12, 2002, lamented thus: are still being made without considering the educational background and area of That is one of the hardest decisions specialization of such appointees to I’ve had to take in my life because I ensure effective contributions in the know what the Abacha family hadn’t discharge of their duties; people simply legitimately done any work to clap and drum to the high heavens for deserve $100 million. those who corruptly enrich themselves including ex-convicts who had been In his broadcast to the nation on jailed previously for corrupt practices to the 42nd independence celebration, accept many chieftaincy titles. It is President Obasanjo came up again: indeed disheartening and appalling to note that corrupt enrichment are The real opponents of our Government are those who currently making many Nigerians to previously enjoyed, or who are display shocking callousness and sadism currently enjoying enormous and in their actions, coupled with gross inordinate economic…, and who now indiscipline and selfishness, thereby sense the closing down of the bringing misfortune to some families avenues from which they have because man’s inhumanity to man makes
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hitherto amassed or are presently programme. The report alleged amassing ill gotten wealth. misappropriation of nearly half the subsidy funds, with poor or non-existent Ironically, the arrest of former oversight by government agencies. It Minister of Works and Housing; Hassan estimated government money lost to Lawal, for 24 counts of fraudulently endemic corruption and entrenched awarding contracts, money laundering; inefficiency to an estimated N 67 trillion and embezzlement of N 75 billion ($ 480 ($ 6.8 billion). The committee million); arrest of Dimeji Bankole, former recommended reform of the oversight speaker of the House of Representatives, and enforcement mechanisms and and Deputy Speaker Usman Nafada, for further endorsed investigation and the alleged misappropriation of prosecution culpable officials. But later, N 1 billion ($ 6.4 million) and N 40 billion the chairman, Farouk Lawan, was caught ($ 256 million), respectively, occurred on tape collecting $ 620,000 out of during Obasanjo tenure as president. $ 3 million bribe money from oil mogul, Similarly, the corruption levied against Femi Otedola. The House of former governors of Otunba Gbenga Representative referred the bribery Daniel (Ogun State), Chief Adeboye Alao- allegation to its committee on ethics. But Akala (Oyo State), Alhaji Aliyu Akwe no report has been issued till date. Doma (Nasarrawa State), and There was also the stealing Muhammed Danjuma Goje (Gombe State) N 32.8 billion ($ 210 million) Police also took place same tenure. The four Pension Fund, which led to the (governors) allegedly misappropriate or arraignment of six suspects including a stole N 58 billion ($ 372 million), N 25 director at the Police Pension Office, billion ($ 160 million), N 18 billion Atiku Abubakar Kigo, who later rose to ($ 115 million), and N 12.8 billion become permanent secretary in the ($ million), respectively. With these facts ministry of the Niger Delta. Five people, happening under his administration, including former Director of Police does President Obasanjo, the country’s Pension Fund, Esai Dangabar, were erstwhile leader deserves any positive accused of misusing N 32.8 billion from compliment? the Police Pension Fund. Mr. Dangabar Unfortunately, it is maddening to accused some committee members of the observe how during the court sessions, Senate of benefiting from the loot. The hordes of cameraman are struggling to senate denied the allegation without take pictures or record the visual of how ordering an investigation. The world may suspects are being escorted to the court never know whether indeed the Senate room by officials of the Economic and joint Committee on Establishment and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), in Public Service Matter, and State and most cases, that is where the trail ends. Local Government Affairs indeed took Nobody cares whether the EFCC bribes from the pension thieves. prosecutes the case to the end or not Aside the above, Abdulrasheed (National Mirror Newspaper; May, 5 Maina, the Chairman of Pension Reform 2013). For example, the corruption case Task Team, accused of looting involving a former national legislator, N 195 billion is yet another corrupt case Farouk Lawan is almost forgotten. still awaiting the usual ineffective According to the Sunday Mirror (May, 5 prosecution. Admittedly, the Senate set 2013), Farouk Lawan, a House of up a committee to investigate the matter. Representatives Committee chairman, During investigation, Mr. Maina alleged investigated the fuel subsidy programme that Senator Etuk, representing Akwa from 2009 to 2011, released a report Ibom State, demanded $ 100,000 dollars showing massive fraud, corruption, and from him as bribe. A former director of inefficiencies in the operation of the pension in the office of the Head of
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Service of the Federation, Sani Shuaibu Aloysius Etuk has since deflected from Teidi, prosecuted along with 31 others, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to also alleged that Senator. Etuk and other All Progressive Congress (APC) where he members of the committee collected a has been appointed Special Assistant to bribe of N 3 billion from him. Although the President on National Assembly the Senate seemed furious about the Matters without recourse to the allegation, it did not take decisive steps corruption charge against him by to investigate. While the corruption Abdulrasheed Maina, the Chairman of charge remains unresolved, Senator Pension Reform Task Team.
Table 1. Showing N 469 billion pension cash scandal against Abdulrasheed Maina, the Chairman of Pension Reform Task Team. N 469 billion Total pension cash allegedly mismanaged. N 273.9 billion Pension cash allegedly diverted (2005-2011). N 195 billion Pension cash discovered missing in December 2012. N 221 billion The cash that Maina claimed to have saved for government. N 71,135 billion Ghost pensioners Maina claimed he saved from the system. Source: Daniel and Omonobi (2013).
It is most disheartening to administration. One of the observe that the electronic media, encouraging signs about Nigeria is tabloids and periodicals, which have as the fact that you have effective and one of their primary functions the viable opposition because education of the masses, especially on democracy requires that there’s change. In democracy, there are the evils that accompany this negative alternatives. What message can I trend have simply become cold and give you about opposition? Well, first indifferent in spite of the moral rot of all, you can change the weather in inherent in the menace. Earlier, the opposition. Although you’ve not got former British Secretary, Jack Straw, has the votes, you’ve got the voice. As urged Nigeria to copy the British model you make the better use of the voice, by meting out stiffer penalties to corrupt you get public support then you start officials, adding that allowing for to unnerve the government (Eme et transparency in governance and having al., 2015: p. 71-72). clean courts to handle corruption related Still exemplifying the views of cases in the land, would go a long way in Eme et al. (2015) state: reducing corruption in the country (Eme et al., 2015). Quoting Straw et al. (2015) Leadership is about character, but if aver: you don’t have the right leaders, who have the right characters, the right There’s need to raise the penalty for backbone, then, it won’t work. He corruption in Nigeria. You have anti- won’t have the qualities to bring out corruption laws, you have great laws the best in people who would work and you jail people on corruption with him. Of course, elections are and you ensure proper fought through the prisms of transparency; then, it’s safe to say leaders…don’t mistake quantity of that people would stop being policies for quality of policies (Eme corrupt. You’ve got to change the et al., 2015: p. 84-85). quality of your public
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Unfortunately, the inability of signs of letting up because it seems to be Nigeria to curb this monster called everywhere. Without a halt, this leaves corruption has earned her an appellation many wondering why the Nigerian as one of the most corrupt nations in the society is irresponsibly being destroyed world. According to Transparency by the absolute devotion to corrupt International, Nigeria was, in the year practices. The wild chase for corrupt 2000, the most corrupt country. practices through any means has been Transparency International, a Berlin felt and continue to be felt so much that, based organization monitors corrupt among human desires and passions, practices around the world. During the legitimate or otherwise, the love for period under review, the organization corruption ranks higher than one could carried out a survey on the corruption ever imagine. In other words, the levels of 90 countries, including Kenya, persistent pursuit of corrupt practices Cameroon, Angola, Nigeria, Côte-d'Ivoire, has indeed been cryptic, defiant, bold, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, and audacious and without pretences Zambia, India, Venezuela, Moldova, and such that, it has reached the level where others. At the end of the ranking, Nigeria it is supported by avarice, thus becoming came first from the rear. She occupied unending unlike the desire for sex. the 90th position out of 90 countries As a way of remedying the ugly surveyed. In 2001, Nigeria was ranked situation, this paper proffers the the second-most corrupt nation in the following recommendations to world out of 91 countries, falling only to checkmate this hydra-headed syndrome Bangladesh. This shows that corruption of corruption in Nigeria’s democratic in Nigeria improved by one step when governance since 1999, compared with that of 2000. Thirteen years later, the Corruption Perceptions 1. First and foremost, all pensions Index 2013 showed that corruption accruing past leaders who are remains a global phenomenon. In 2014, currently senators and ministers Nigeria was ranked 136 out the 174 should be stopped forthwith. After all, Section 14 of the Code of Conduct surveyed countries meaning that she was Bureau (CCB) law exempted ranked the 38th most corrupt country in lawmakers from the above the world. However, in 2015, Nigeria provisions thus: "In its application to came 26th out of the 100 surveyed public officers -(a) members of countries. Transparency International legislative houses shall be exempted Result (TIR) results are a product of from the Provisions of paragraph 4 interviews with respondents. The Berlin- of this Code; and (b) the National based organization said the primary aim Assembly may by law exempt any of the GCB report is to explore cadre of public officers from the respondents personal experiences of provisions of paragraph 4 and 11 of this Code if it appears to it that their paying bribes for government services position in the Public Service is on one hand’ and on the other, to gauge below the rank which it considers perception of the integrity of major appropriate for the application of the public institutions. provisions." By extension, all past military officers currently holding Conclusion and recommendations one office or another should not be spared. This paper has attempted to demonstrate that the relentlessness 2. Despite the above stated law, a pursuit of corrupt practices is pouncing coalition of Non-Governmental on the Nigerian society with the velocity Organization (NGOs) should go a step further by suing the 36 state and ferocity of a starved lion. Corruption governors, 36 state assemblies, is blossoming well in Nigeria without
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RMAFC and the attorney general of Nigerian people towards the federation seeking to nullify the materialistic life as well as various pension laws enacted by greediness. This can be done some of the 36 States Houses of through the use of governmental and Assembly. Aside from this, organized non-governmental bodies like the civil societies should also play active National Orientation Agency (NOA), roles by monitoring government Campaign for Democracy (CD), etc. officials, programmes and policies with a view to reviewing their 6. There should need to sustain value activities and know if any unethical re-orientation crusade against practice has taken place. corrupt practices. Hard work and honesty should be recognized and 3. The immunity clause in the rewarded. When Nigerians are made constitution generates conflict of to realise that honesty can lead them values, as certain political leaders to reach their goals with dignity; based on’ life situation’ are immune they will be inculcated into that from the corruption law. The gospel belief. of ‘do what I say and not what I do” has long failed to create virtuous 7. There is also need to restructure citizen. There is need therefore to the caliber of people in government. amend section 35 of the Nigeria’s Many of those in government and constitution, which houses the other political appointees – are those immunity clause. According to recycled from the past corrupt Charles (2011), there is convergence civilian and past military regimes. of opinion that what makes They have been socialized into the corruption in Nigeria a peculiar different techniques of corruption. mess’ is that no one in high places ever get caught and punished, until They now find hard to break away recently. Even at that, it was what from the past and are also teaching they call “plea bargaining; give us others to take corruption as way of part of what you have stolen, plead life. guilty and be sentenced for less than a year, thereafter, go and take the 8. The fight against corruption rest of the stolen money”. require direct, clear and forceful support of the highest political 4. The government should de- authority. In this instance, the EFCC emphasize money politics and make should stop playing the ostrich and legislative duties part-time basis as quicken the prosecution of all is practised in other developed corrupt offenders without fear or countries. Also former governors favour such that stiff and enforceable aspiring for any other elective office punishment be fully applied upon should forfeit their pension on offenders such as long jail terms, life assumption of office in another ban from political activities, capacity. forfeiture of assets of officials who have been found guilty etc. 5. In addition, there should be mass Furthermore, the media should be mobilization against corruption, encouraged to report to the public, such mobilization will not only help corrupt Practices in the society. in creating awareness against corruption, but challenge bodies 9. Finally, the judicial system of such as ICPC, EFFC and other related prosecuting corrupt officials should agencies, in the struggle to be made more resulted oriented and checkmate corrupt practices. effective. Prosecution of corrupt Succinctly put, there should be a individuals should be done without corrupt free value re-orientation as being selective. In addition, there this border on moral regeneration of should be adequate personnel and the social norms and mores of the technological capacity for fighting
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